WALES BEACH GUIDE

The Northern Coast

Comprising the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire, the northern coast of Wales has mostly long and featureless sandy beaches backed by a string of resorts, of which Llandudno and Rhyl are the largest. The main railway and A55 to Holyhead run along the coastal fringe close to the shore. The mountains of Snowdonia are just a few miles inland. Rhyl and Prestatyn are the only beaches in the northern half of Wales (i.e. north of the Dyfi river) which provide a lifeguard service in summer.

Anglesey

Anglesey's beaches are generally much quieter than those on the mainland. The south-eastern half of the island tends to have mostly long sandy beaches whilst the north-western half has numerous smaller beaches and coves. Jasper, serpentine and quartz pebbles can be found and the sea water is usually crystal clear in summer. The main beaches have Beach Wardens in summer, but no lifeguards. Inland the island is picturesque, unspoilt and relatively flat with little heavy traffic. It's good for cycling, walking, wildlife and photography.

Llyn Peninsula (Gwynedd)

The Llyn Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The southern shore has long sandy beaches, whilst the north side is indented with smaller sandy beaches and secluded coves. A wide variety of pebbles can be found including plenty of pure white quartz pebbles. The roads tend to be mostly narrow and winding, particularly towards the west. No Gwynedd beaches have lifeguards.

Cambrian Coast (Gwynedd)

The Cambrian Coast's beaches are long, west facing and sandy, but are not lifeguarded. British Rail's Cambrian Coast line runs along here and has stations near most of the beaches. Just a few miles inland the terrain becomes mountainous, with lakes, wooded valleys and plenty of camp sites.

Ceredigion

(Pronounced 'Kerrer-diggy-on') Ceredigion's beaches border Cardigan Bay, are mostly west facing and usually good for surfing. Seals and bottlenose dolphins can be seen and the main beaches have lifeguards in summer. The terrain - both coastal and inland - is very hilly.

Pembrokeshire

Most of the coastline is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and has everything from sandy family beaches to quiet secluded coves. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer and boat trips operate to the offshore islands of Caldey, Skomer and Ramsey. Pembrokeshire's south-western tip has some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in Wales, where choughs and ravens can often be seen soaring over the cliff-tops.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire has a relatively short coastline, with Pembrey's 7½ mile long lifeguarded sandy beach easily being the best. Inland, Carmarthenshire has some fine scenery, and the once-endangered Red Kite is now commonly seen in Carmarthenshire skies. Unfortunately it's not a place for walking as its footpaths are generally in a terrible condition, and in large areas of the county hardly any are passable.

Gower

The limestone peninsula of Gower is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has mostly sandy bays along its southern shore and long sandy surf beaches on its western coast. Towards the south-west, there are high limestone cliffs and numerous caves - both coastal and inland. Being close to Swansea, the beaches can get very busy. The roads tend to be narrow and winding and have not been improved over the years, so congestion is inevitable during busy periods. It's popular for walking, climbing, caving, surfing and most water sports. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer.

South-east Wales

The Vale of Glamorgan comprises the east of this region and the beaches are mostly rocky with some sandy bits and backed by unstable cliffs of blue lias. Inland the Vale is scenic and relatively flat, and is a good choice for walking and cycling. The counties of Bridgend and Port Talbot are further west and the beaches here are sandy and backed mostly by low dunes. The sea water tends to be a muddy brown near Cardiff, slowly becoming clearer towards the west. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer.

Somerset

The Somerset Coast borders the Bristol Channel and the beaches are nothing special. There are some long sandy stretches, but most beaches have thick mud lower down and the sea water is usually a muddy brown colour. Inland the county is very scenic and has plenty of idyllic villages with thatched cottages, ancient churches and tea-rooms. This county looks after its footpaths and is good walking territory.

Wirral (Cheshire)

The Wirral is a low-lying peninsula of sandstones and mudstones sandwiched between the estuaries of the Dee and the Mersey. The beaches are mostly sandy and relatively featureless. The tide goes out over a mile on the ebb and the main beaches are patrolled by lifeguards in summer.